POL SPILLIAERT, XL garden sculpture

Pol Spilliaert (1935 - 2023) was a Belgian sculptor. He studied sculpture at the La Cambre Institute in Brussels, where he was taught by notable figures like modernist architect Léon Stynen, graduating as a laureate in 1959. Spilliaert went on to teach at the Rijksnormaalschool in Hasselt and the Rijkslagere Normaalschool in Blankenberge. From 1967 to 2000, he served as a sculpture professor at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts Sint-Lukas in Ghent. Known for his abstract works, Spilliaert often explored themes of gender dynamics. He primarily worked with marble and bronze, creating monumental sculptures. His pieces can be found in museums in Antwerp (Middelheim), Bruges (Groeningemuseum), Ostend (Muzee) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Pol Spilliaert is described as an artist deeply introspective about his work and its development, as well as its relationship with the broader art world. He values insights from both fellow artists and the annals of art history, often referencing them to refine his own artistic viewpoints.

Spilliaert's process involves a profound contemplation of form and space, striving for a balance between elements and seeking harmony within each creation. He considers the inner state of the artist as paramount, believing that achieving the right mental disposition is more critical than the physical act of creation. This sentiment echoes Brancusi's notion of the inner growth necessary for a concept to manifest fully. In Spilliaert's sculptures, the interplay between organic and geometric forms reflects a dialogue between contrasting forces seeking unity. His works evoke a sense of tension and energy, with shapes seemingly on the verge of bursting forth from their confines. Each piece invites the viewer to explore relationships between its parts, integrating space and volume in a captivating manner. Spilliaert's sculptures transcend mere form, evoking a range of sensory and emotional experiences, from the sensual to the spiritual.